Perez has forgiven Verstappen: 'Keep working as a great team'

F1 News

15 November 2022 at 06:22
Last update 15 November 2022 at 10:00
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  • GPblog.com

Red Bull Racing has long since secured its two world titles, but there was still a lot of chaos within the team over the weekend of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen refused to pass his teammate for sixth position in the closing stages of the race. According to Sergio Perez, everything has since been discussed internally and the team is looking ahead together.

A bizarre moment occurred during the race at Interlagos when Verstappen refused to give up his position for Perez. Red Bull had told the Dutchman to let his teammate past if he failed to overtake Fernando Alonso for fifth position. With Perez still fighting for second place in the drivers' championship, the Mexican could use all the points.

Verstappen, however, had other plans. The Dutchman already has his second world title in his pocket, but over the board radio it became clear that Red Bull had discussed the situation in advance with Verstappen, who did not want to give up his position. After the race, it emerged that the two-time world champion had a score to settle with his teammate, who allegedly deliberately put his car into the wall in Monaco.

Perez: 'This is behind us'

Perez was furious afterwards, telling an interview that Verstappen owes his two world titles to him. A day later, the 32-year-old driver cooled down and responds on Twitter to all the drama. "What a day yesterday. A podium was certain, but lack of pace and the safety car complicated that. Now let's focus on Abu Dhabi", Perez writes.

The Red Bull driver now leaves for Abu Dhabi with the same points tally as his P2 rival Charles Leclerc. Verstappen has already promised that he will help his teammate in the final race of the season, though. "With Max and the team, everything was discussed yesterday and kept internal. This is behind us and we will continue to work as the great team we have been so far", the Mexican driver ends.